Olivia Newport

Like its predecessor Wonderful Lonesome, the second book in the Amish Turns of Time series - Meek and Mild - shows the damage that can be done to a community when legalistic spiritual leaders are given too much power. Also like its predecessor, Meek and Mild is beautifully written and based on historical accounts of actual Amish communities in the early 1900s. But where Wonderful Lonesome seemed dis-satisfyingly somber to me, Meek and Mild was able to retain a much lighter tone without show more sacrificing any of the sobering reality.

The history is fascinating, and the author's note at the end provides more information on some of the characters and situations who were based on real-life people and events. This, to me, is the best sort of fiction because the end isn't really the end - your interest is now piqued and you are drawn to do more research, learning far more than you expected and carrying a part of the story around with you forever.

Clara and her stories, Andrew and his Model T - these brought elements of fun and laughter amid the heavier issues addressed in the book. Just try to imagine an Amish man trying to teach himself how to drive a cantankerous Model T, and you have an idea of how amusing those scenes will be! And Clara - probably my favorite character in the book. Pure of heart but strong in spirit (once she gets up enough gumption), she giggles freely and loves warmly and serves selflessly. Clara and Andrew together are simply delightful!

Bottom Line: You will experience a full gamut of emotions while reading this book! Not a light read, Meek and Mild addresses the agony of infertility as well as the harsh reality of legalism and abuse of power in the Amish church at the turn of the 20th century. Despite the heaviness of the issues, Olivia Newport's characters are full of life and there are many opportunities for you to smile as you follow their lives throughout the pages.

While this is the second book in a series, it is fine as a stand-alone. They are not connected by characters or plot, only by theme.

(I received a digital copy of the book from Barbour Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for only my honest review.)

Read my full review here: https://readingismysuperpower.wordpress.com/2015/07/08/review-meek-and-mild-oliv... show less

We are back in Canyon Mines, Colorado with more family secrets for genealogist Jillian and her lawyer father Nolan to help unearth. In the Cradle Lies has you instantly questioning what the heck is going on, especially when you flashback from the present to 1936, tidbits of the truth scattered in both the former and the current. It took me a bit to get my bearings but once I understood what I was reading, and the dire situation that both Tucker and his grandfather were in, I was in complete show more shock, the subject unfathomable and incredibly heartbreaking.

What enchants me about this series is the parallel of past and present, and truly seeing just how much the choices of the past affect the future, whether they're your choices to make or not. I felt so sorry for the burden this poor family endured at the hands of one man but what really endeared me to this second novel was another piece of Nolan's past, giving more depth to his character. Though each book in the series can be read as a standalone, I think reading the first book answers questions you might otherwise have if you don't read it first.

In the Cradle Lies was a gratifying read and felt deeper to me, maybe because this book includes things from the author's personal life. I always love when authors do that! It really does help lend to that personal and authentic feel.

I am already impatiently waiting to read the next book in the series! show less

Nolan and Jillian are back with another mystery from the past and again I am enamored. Every time I read a book in the Tree of Life series it makes me regret not choosing a different profession. I would love to do what Jillian does! Digging for clues, finding the keys that unlock the truths of the past, and bring people more understanding of who they are and where they come from. It is utterly beautiful and something that always makes me ache to find my own truths.

In When I Meet You Jillian show more and Nolan are asked to look into the story behind a steamer trunk that was abandoned at Union Station in 1909, while Jillian also digs further into her own mother's old steamer trunk, which history has haunted her for years. I love that all the books in this series can be read as standalones, but when you read them as a series you get to intimately know and understand Nolan, Jillian, and many of the colorful characters of Canyon Mines, and really become more vested in these incredible characters and the unique situations they find themselves in.

What made this novel a favorite for me was the imperfectness of Jillian. In the first two books in the series Jillian seems to have such a charmed life, but in this book you see that she's not perfect, and that she too is flawed and can make rash judgements, like we all can. I also fell in love with Drew, a new character that I hope will continue to be in the series from now on.

Another incredible addition to one of my favorite series to date!!

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from Shiloh Run Press through NetGalley. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own. show less

The Tree of Life series is one that I am sad to see end as I have enjoyed this series immensely. The combination of past and present, genealogy and the present co-mingling seamlessly is something I will always appreciate, as these subjects are near and dear to my heart.

In this final installment we see Jillian’s genealogy take center stage as she pieces together the Parisi family, her maternal side of the family, and with it some angst from her newly found cousin, Cate. Cate and her show more attitude annoyed me so much!! I know she’s frustrated with her situation, but her attitude didn’t do anyone any favors, and I hated seeing her treat Jillian the way she did. Cate grated my nerves to the point that I almost wanted to stop reading a few times, but I had to press on to see the Parisi branch of the tree to fruition, and I’m glad I did.

The characters are really what made this novel sparkle, especially Drew and Jillian who are so stinking cute together! I loved every scene with the two of them, but what really added flavor is the sassy Min, who is always a scene stealer with her wit and humor. Add in Nolan, Jillian’s father, who has been a favorite of mine throughout the series, and you’ve got a cast of characters that will always hold a special place in my heart.

When I finished this novel I felt wistful as I sat the book down. The ending is satisfying and everything I had wanted, but I wasn’t ready for this series to end, so it was bittersweet in its finality. I have enjoyed this series so much and can only hope that Olivia Newport will have a series that parallels it in the future. Until then, I will cherish the time I spent in this world. show less